The University of Texas at Austin
College of Engineering

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the ASE Graduate Advisor?

Prof. David G. Hull in WRW 408C.

Who is the Graduate Coordinator?

The graduate coodinator is Tina Woods in WRW 215D.

How can I get a desk in the building?

See your advisor. Each group has a block of space for its own students. Priority is given to TA's and RA's.

How do I get keys?

See David Crittenden in the Mail Room (WRW 222) for a key request form. Take the form to your advisor for signature, return it to front desk (WRW 215), and then proceed to Keys on 24th street (right next door).

How do I get a parking permit?

See the Graduate Coordinator for a letter stating you are appointed for 20 hrs and take it to Parking & Transportation on 19th street (near San Jacinto).

Where can I receive mail in the building?

There are A-Z slots in 3rd floor mail room (by the elevator). Do not have personal mail sent here, however. Also, there is a microwave and refrigerator there for your use.

Are there computers I can use?

Yes, in the second-floor Learning Resource Center. Identify yourself to the proctor on duty. Graduate students can request a key card for night access.

How do I get an email account?

Ask in the Learning Resource Center for instructions or go directly to the Computation Center (Hogg Bldg). Report your address to both the receptionist (WRW 215) and the Graduate Coordinator.

How do I get an I.D. card?

Once you are registered, you can apply at the I.D. center located in the Student Services Building on Dean Keeton (between Wichita & University Streets) . You must be registered first!

When and how do we do advising?

Check the Course Schedule and bulletin boards for dates of campus-wide advising periods. Go to the Graduate Coordinator's office to get the paper work. Get a signature from your advisor and return the form to the Graduate Coordinator.

How do I apply for candidacy for my MS or PhD?

Candidacy for the MS is the same as applying for graduation. Get the necessary forms from the Graduate School web site. Both actions require a Program of Work form (MS or PhD) which is on our web site. Have the completed form signed by your advisor and then by the Graduate Advisor. Return the Program of Work to the Graduate Coordinator.

Who needs a copy of my Dissertation/Thesis?

Your advisor and the graduate school. Providing a copy to the department is optional. If you wish to do so, give it to the Graduate Coordinator.

I am an international student, and my advisor wants me to be a TA. What do I do?

See the Graduate Coordinator for information regarding English testing (test dates, location, and how to make an appointment for the exam).

How does an "X" affect me?

An incomplete "X" can keep you from having an appointment. Students who wish to hold graduate student employment may have no more than one incomplete of any kind on their record unless an exception has been granted. Students have one semester to complete the course requirements to convert an "X" to a grade. If the course is not completed in that time, the grade will be turn into an "I" or permanent incomplete which may not be changed to a grade.

What form do I need to change an "X"?

Contact the Graduate Coordinator who will provide a form to the instructor.

How do I apply to become a TA?

Pick up an application either from the Graduate Coordinator or the graduate bulletin board. Complete the form, have it signed by your advisor, and return it to the Graduate Coordinator. Selections will be made close to the first class day, and a notice of those assigned will be posted.

I am applying for PhD candidacy. Can I register for dissertation?

Not until your candidacy is approved. Register for same number of research hours; then add/drop. Confirm the approval either with the Graduate School or the Graduate Coordinator.

Can I get copies of old written qualifying exams?

Written qualifying guidelines and sample exams are available on the department web site.

When are the written qualifying exams for the PhD program?

During the second week of June. Discuss with your advisor regarding your timing and preparation. Sign up for the exam in the Graduate Office (WRW 215D).

How do I set up an oral examination?

Get the Oral Exam Request form from our web site. With your advisor select a committee of four departmental faculty, and get their approval of a time. Get the form signed by the Graduate Advisor and schedule a room on the department web page. Give the form to the Graduate Coordinator, and she will send out a formal notice of the exam.

I want to change advisors. What do I do?

Get the necessary form from the Graduate School and have the completed form signed by the Graduate Advisor. Tell the Graduate Coordinator.

I have decided I want to change majors. What do I need to do now?

Talk to faculty in your intended major and be sure they will accept you. Go to Graduate Admissions and fill out paper work. Please let the Graduate Coordinator know you are leaving!

How many hours do I have to take?

9 hours is full-time for RA, TA, or fellowships during Fall and Spring; 3 hours in summer.

Do I have to be registered every semester?

YES during Fall and Spring. You do not have to be registered in the summer unless you are supported (TA, RA, fellowship).

I need to be gone one semester. What do I do?

Request a leave of absence. Get the from from the Graduate School web site.

 

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